A 24-year-old school teacher has been jailed by a judge at Maidstone Crown Court for having an improper relationship with a girl of 13.

Sentencing music teacher Peter Finney to four months, a judge told him: "Upon your family you have brought shame and embarrassment."

Finney, a teacher at a school in Chatham during the relationship, admitted sexual grooming and four charges of sexual activity with a child.

Keith Yardy, prosecuting, said that after the teacher was suspended, the girl continued to send him emails declaring her love. He replied that he could lose his job and be sent to prison.

Mr Yardy said the girl was reluctant to say anything that would incriminate Finney.

Finney admitted there had been "full-blown snogs", but denied there was any other intimate behaviour.

"Following his suspension, he had become aware of how wrong the relationship had been," said the prosecutor.

Catherine Farrelly, defending, said the girl had made it plain that she did not wish to make any complaint against Finney.

"Had it not been for his frankness with the police, it would have been difficult for a prosecution to succeed," she said.

Miss Farrelly said Finney had worked hard in his profession but would now never teach again.

"His career is effectively over," she said. "It is back to square one in terms of what he is going to do for the rest of his life."

Judge Andrew Patience, QC, said it was clear that Finney was otherwise a man of impeccable character who was capable of doing good.

"I take into account that the victim was in a sense a willing partner," he told Finney. "It is clear to me that she was infatuated with you and imagined herself to be in love with you.

"But in no way can these remarks be interpreted as placing any blame on her. Immature girls need protection, not only from their own immaturity but also from adults such as you, who are prepared to take advantage."

The judge added: "You know full well you should not have given way to the physical attraction you felt for this girl."

Finney, of Park View Road, Welling, was placed on the sex offenders’ register for seven years and banned from working with children.